ShareThisThere's only one spot in the batting order Boston's Kevin Youkilis does not like to hit from -- the leadoff spot.
In the past he's been used to seeing his name penciled into different spots, and has enjoyed success no matter where he hits. But ever since the Red Sox traded Manny Ramirez last July, Youkilis has mainly been the cleanup hitter.
With the way he's hitting this season, it's clear he likes hitting fourth.
He's completely locked in so far and he continues to dominate opposing pitchers like he's your prototypical four-hole hitter.
In 83 career starts in that spot, Youkilis is hitting .324 with 14 homers and 65 RBI.
It's no surprise he has become the model of consistency, having reached base safely in the club's first 14 games before going 0-for-4 in Wednesday' night's 7-3 win over Minnesota to complete a doubleheader sweep of the Twins. It was the longest streak since Ramirez reached base safely in 23 straight games to start the 2001 season.
Most should recall Youkilis' insane streak during the 2003 season when he reached base safely in 71 consecutive games between Class AA Portland and Class AAA Pawtucket.
He's been able to maintain that kind of consistency and enjoyed a career year in 2008 with a .312 average, 29 homers and 115 RBI and finished third in A.L. MVP voting.
He's picked right back up this year as his .429 batting average is second in the majors while his .522 on-base percentage leads MLB.
Youkilis' homer in the first game against the Twins on Wednesday barely snuck around Pesky's Pole and landed in the first row of seats. In any other ballpark that's probably a double, but the fact he was able to drive the ball to the opposite field with authority is a sign he's completely focused at the plate.
"When you're hot, you're hot," said Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell. "Wherever he's putting the ball it's going somewhere good."
David Ortiz, Boston's No. 3 hitter, was always protected in the order by Ramirez so he made his feelings known at the end of the postseason in 2008, and during the winter, that he believed the club needed to go out and get another big bat for the cleanup spot. With the departure of Ramirez, Ortiz wanted management to sign Mark Teixeira before he eventually signed with the Yankees.
Teixeira has been hitting in the No. 3 spot in New York's order and is hitting a lowly .222 with a .345 OBP to go along with 3 homers and 9 RBI.
Youkilis has been giving the Red Sox plenty of production and Ortiz is a happy man.
"He just keeps on improving every day," said Ortiz. "He's one of the most talented players here. He has skills, man. I don't know how he does it, he just does it. He don't miss a beat. Youk's got good eyes and he's patient. He makes contact with the ball anywhere (it's pitched) and that's what makes him even better."
As a team, the Red Sox had their offensive struggles in the first nine games of the season before returning to Fenway Park for this current home stand. Youkilis, however, has been solid from the start.
"He always puts together consistent at-bats. This is a streak that is a little ridiculous," said Lowell. "He's a guy who knows his strengths and he knows how to work the count and he looks for his pitch. When he's going good, he doesn't miss it. He's going really good right now and that's a nice boost to have a cleanup hitter who can do that."
It's a safe bet if this continues, he'll only have to worry about hitting in one spot in Boston's order for a long time.
(Contatc Joe McDonald at jmcdonal@projo.com.)
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)
Must credit The Providence Journal
